Kota Kinabalu: The Kinabalu Singh Sabha Association (KSSA) Sabah, in collaboration with the Sabah Cultural Board, hosted a “Doa Sayangi Malaysia” prayer gathering at Kota Kinabalu Gurdwara, Jalan Mat Salleh, here Sunday.
Held from 10.30am to 1pm, the gathering brought together more than 100 people from various cultural and religious backgrounds to pray for national harmony, stability and economic growth.
Held as part of a month-long National Day celebration, this year’s gathering carried the theme “Malaysia Madani, Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”.
The “Doa Sayangi Malaysia” observance, which began in 2019, is a unique annual event in Sabah held in conjunction with National Day, bringing people of different faiths together to pray for the wellbeing of the nation.
Speaking on behalf of KSSA, Dr Balvinder Kaur Kler said peace was fundamental to national stability and economic growth, while harmony and mutual respect among Malaysia’s diverse cultural and religious communities were essential pillars of a resilient society.
“We prayed for racial unity, as peace is the foundation of stability and economic growth.
“This prayer ceremony is held at various places of worship and attended by guests from various cultural and religious backgrounds to strengthen inter-community bonds.
“The celebration aims to foster a spirit of patriotism. Through these shared observances, mutual respect among the various communities cultivates a deep love for our homeland,” she said.
Dr Balvinder also expressed gratitude to those who attended the gathering, saying their presence was meaningful to the Sikh community.
She said the Ardas, a formal and structured Sikh prayer, always concludes with universal prayers for Chardi Kala, symbolising eternal optimism and high spirits, and Sarbat da Bhala, which seeks prosperity, peace and wellbeing for all humanity.
During the gathering, the Sikh priest also offered special prayers for the continued wellbeing of Malaysia, its leaders and its people.
Dr Balvinder said the Sikh community had a long history in Sabah, having migrated from Punjab, northern India, to North Borneo around 1881 to serve in the British North Borneo Armed Constabulary (NBAC).
A gurdwara was established within the police barracks compound at Batu Tiga, Jesselton, in 1906.
Recognising the gurdwara’s important role as a community institution, NBAC personnel worked with the British authorities and contributed their own funds and labour to build a permanent gurdwara on Jalan Mat Salleh in 1924.
The building was designed by TV Durai, the first Chief Draftsman at the Survey Department of the North Borneo Chartered Company, and constructed by Choo Seng Teck Builders.
The Gurdwara will mark its 102nd anniversary on Sept 27 this year.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the reopening ceremony before the end of this year.
“In particular, we pray that next year’s ‘Doa Sayangi Malaysia’ prayer gathering can be hosted within our newly upgraded and fully restored Gurdwara Sahib building,” said Dr Balvinder.
KSSA President Baldev Singh expressed his deepest gratitude to all those who attended, saying the strong turnout of more than 100 people from various associations and the Sikh community reflected Malaysians’ shared commitment to building a harmonious and united nation.
Among those present were Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) General Manager’s representative Nora Bahat, Finance Ministry’s Permanent Secretary’s representative Wendy Laikim Ginsalu, Sabah Federation of Chinese Associations’ (FCAS) representative Phillip Chang, Malaysian Hindu Sangam Sabah Council Branch Chairman Datuk Dr G Mohan A/L Gopal Naidoo and Sabah Bumiputera Christian Association’s representative Maik Lombou.
Meanwhile, the Gurdwara’s main prayer hall building has been undergoing extensive renovation since last year, with fundraising efforts still ongoing.
All contributions are channelled directly into the tax-exempt Tabung Pengurusan Rumah Ibadat Gurdwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu (Ref: LHDN.AG.600-12/1/4-6.8974).
For donation enquiries, the Honorary Treasurer can be contacted at +6012-386-1924.
